New Washington Post CEO Denies Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexiteer’ Label

Sir William Lewis discussing media and business. (Screengrab via NewsMediaWorks / Youtube)

The Washington Post’s new CEO, Sir William Lewis, dismissed claims by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he was a fellow “Brexiteer” in a profile that welcomed him to the newspaper.

Lewis, a distinguished media veteran, was welcomed Saturday by The Post in a dedicated profile as its new publisher and chief executive.

The executive boasts a prestigious career in the newspaper industry and is, perhaps, best known for his tenure as the editor of The Daily Telegraph, during which the newspaper exposed the British MPs’ expenses scandal.

Contributing to the profile was Johnson, introduced as an “old friend” and under whose resignation honours list Lewis was knighted for his services to journalism.

“Will Lewis is an outstanding editor with a very sharp business brain,” he said in a statement. “There is no one better at organising a day-by-day campaign to bring new information into the public domain. And he is therefore a great fit with The Washington Post.”

Johnson continued, calling Lewis a fellow “Brexiteer.” It was a label, however, that Lewis was quick to deny.

“No, I wouldn’t say it’s true,” Lewis said in the article about his new role. “He has no idea what my views of Brexit are.”

Lewis is also the chief executive of The News Movement (TMN) and, until his new appointment at The Post, was a prospective buyer for The Daily Telegraph with funding lined up.

Several prominent bidders remain in the auction despite his exit, including DMGT, the publisher of Daily Mail, Axel Springer — the owner of Politico and Insider, and Sir Paul Marshall, an investor in GB News and Unherd. According to the Press Gazette, Lewis also is set to leave TMN.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and owner of The Post, was enthusiastic about having Lewis on board.

“As I’ve gotten to know Will, I’ve been drawn to his love of journalism and passion for driving financial success,” Bezos said. “Will embodies the tenacity, energy and vision needed for this role. He believes that together we will build the right future for The Post. I agree.”